GKN Aerospace has launched TITAN-AM (Titanium Industrialisation and Technology Advancement for Near-net Additive Manufacturing), an $8.4 million programme in partnership with the
US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). The additive manufacturing (AM) initiative is focused on advancing and industrialising Laser Metal Deposition with Wire (LMD-w) technology to enable next-generation aerostructures.
The TITAN-AM programme will address five critical areas required to enable LMD-w for aerospace structural applications: industrialisation of LMD-w processes for large-scale titanium aerostructure components; development of robust titanium material datasets to ensure structural performance and reliability; advanced simulation capabilities to optimise structural design and manufacturing outcomes; on-destructive inspection (NDI) techniques tailored for AM processes; and demonstrate of the technology on selected aerospace structural components.
The programme will be led from GKN Aerospace’s Global Technology Centre in Fort Worth, Texas, a hub for AM innovation and collaboration with US defence and aerospace partners. David Bond, CTO Airframes for GKN Aerospace, said: “TITAN-AM represents a significant step forward in AM for aerospace structures. By combining our deep manufacturing expertise with AFRL’s vision, we aim to accelerate the readiness of LMD-w technology and demonstrate its value on operational titanium structural components.”
GKN brings more than 20 years of experience in AM technologies and is recognised as a global leader in large-scale AM for aerospace structures. The collaboration reinforces the company’s commitment to advancing AM technologies that deliver lighter, stronger and more sustainable structural solutions for defence and commercial aerospace platforms. By leveraging LMD-w, TITAN-AM aims to reduce material waste, shorten production lead times and increase design freedom for complex aerospace components
GKN Aerospace is already committed to serial production of large-scale AM structures that are flying today, including the fan case mount ring for the Pratt & Whitney GTF (Geared Turbofan) engine family. These parts are produced using AM in Sweden and the USA and are in service on aircraft such as the Airbus A220 and Embraer E195-E2.